A Classic French Breakfast Dish with a Fragrant, Fruity Twist
Warm, golden brioche French toast, infused with vanilla and cinnamon, topped with honey-roasted rosemary apricots—this is the kind of breakfast that transports you straight to a slow morning in the South of France.
Elegant, wholesome, and surprisingly simple, this recipe for French Toasts with Rosemary Roasted Apricots offers the perfect harmony between sweet and savory, crisp and creamy, indulgent and fresh. Whether you’re planning a leisurely weekend brunch or want to serve a classic French breakfast dish with a modern, gourmet flair, this plate checks every box.
🍑 Why This Recipe Works
There’s French toast—and then there’s Apricot French Toast with Rosemary, where every element is thoughtfully layered for flavor and texture. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Caramelized roasted apricots bring brightness and floral notes
- Fresh rosemary adds a savory, piney depth
- Brioche provides the ultimate buttery, custard-soaked foundation
- Vanilla and cinnamon create nostalgic comfort
- It’s vegetarian-friendly, easy to scale, and stunning to serve
Whether you’re making breakfast in bed or planning a vegetarian breakfast skillet-style brunch, this dish will impress guests and satisfy cravings.
🇫🇷 The French Toast Legacy: A Brief Backstory
What we call “French toast” is known in France as “pain perdu”, or “lost bread.” The idea? Take stale bread and soak it in an eggy custard to give it new life. Over time, it’s become a global favorite breakfast, customized with fruit, spices, and sweet toppings.
This version upgrades the traditional with:
- Brioche bread (classic in French patisserie)
- Apricots roasted with honey and rosemary for complex flavor
- A balance of sweet and herbaceous notes that feels both decadent and refined
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish is broken into two main components: the French toast base and the rosemary roasted apricots.
🍞 For the French Toast:
- 6 slices of brioche bread (thick-cut, ideally a day old)
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup whole milk or cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
- Butter or neutral oil, for frying
🥖 Substitute challah, sourdough, or French baguette if brioche isn’t available.
🍑 For the Rosemary Roasted Apricots:
- 4 ripe apricots, halved and pitted
- 1½ tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2–3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- A pinch of sea salt
🍯 Optional Toppings:
- A dollop of mascarpone or Greek yogurt
- Drizzle of honey or apricot jam
- Toasted almonds or pistachios for crunch
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
✨ Step 1: Prepare the Roasted Apricots
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the apricot halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and honey, scatter rosemary sprigs, and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until soft, slightly caramelized, and fragrant.
🌿 The rosemary will infuse subtly—don’t skip it! It elevates the fruit beautifully.
✨ Step 2: Make the French Toast Custard
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and optional brown sugar.
- Dip each slice of brioche in the mixture for about 20 seconds per side, letting it absorb but not fall apart.
🕒 Don’t oversoak, or the bread can become soggy and hard to flip.
✨ Step 3: Cook the French Toast
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a bit of butter or oil.
- Cook soaked brioche slices for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
- Keep warm in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest.
🍽️ How to Assemble
- Place 1–2 slices of golden French toast on a plate.
- Top generously with roasted rosemary apricots, spooning over any caramelized juices.
- Add a dollop of mascarpone or yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and garnish with fresh rosemary or toasted nuts.
- Serve immediately with coffee or tea.
📸 Pro tip: Stack it high and finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for the ultimate brunch Instagram moment.
🧠 Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This breakfast isn’t just beautiful—it’s balanced.
- Protein: From eggs and dairy
- Healthy fats: From olive oil and nuts
- Natural sugars: From honey and fruit
- Complex carbs: From quality bread
- Antioxidants and fiber: From fresh apricots and herbs
Approximate nutrition for 1 serving (2 slices + toppings):
- Calories: 350–400
- Protein: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
✅ Great as a vegetarian breakfast option or lighter dessert.
🧁 Customization Ideas
Want to add your own flair? Here are some creative variations:
🍊 Swap the Fruit:
- Use peaches, plums, nectarines, or figs
- Add sliced citrus or pears for winter-friendly alternatives
🌿 Experiment with Herbs:
- Try thyme or lavender instead of rosemary
- Add basil ribbons for a savory-sweet twist
🥥 Go Dairy-Free:
- Use almond or oat milk in the custard
- Replace mascarpone with coconut yogurt
- Roast apricots with maple syrup and coconut oil
🍫 Make It Decadent:
- Grate dark chocolate over the finished toast
- Add a splash of orange liqueur to the roasted fruit
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction for a gourmet brunch plate
🌍 Cultural Inspiration: The Art of French Breakfast
In France, breakfast (or le petit déjeuner) is usually light—often just a croissant or tartine with jam. But when it comes to brunch or Sunday breakfast, something like this Brioche French Toast feels both indulgent and rooted in tradition.
By pairing it with apricots, a fruit widely used in Provençal cooking, and rosemary, a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, this dish becomes a poetic tribute to the region.
It’s like waking up in a lavender field in Provence, with the scent of herbs and honey drifting through the open window.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
❓Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Roast the apricots up to 2 days in advance and reheat gently. French toast is best fresh, but can be cooked ahead and reheated in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.
❓What bread works best?
Brioche is best for flavor and structure, but you can also use:
- Challah
- French baguette (slightly stale)
- Sourdough for a tangier twist
❓Is this freezer-friendly?
You can freeze cooked French toast slices between parchment paper. Reheat in toaster or oven. Avoid freezing the apricots—they’re best fresh.
❓What wine pairs well with this?
For brunch entertaining, try a light Prosecco, Moscato d’Asti, or even a rosé. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with a herbal iced tea or honey lemonade.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re elevating your Sunday brunch, hosting a French-inspired breakfast, or looking to make toast a little more magical, these French Toasts with Rosemary Roasted Apricots are a feast for both the eyes and the senses.
Crispy on the outside, custardy in the center, and topped with fragrant, golden apricots—it’s the kind of meal that lingers in memory long after the last bite.
